I became acquainted with Chateau Pesquie through Gary Vaynerchuk's vlog, WineLibrary TV (www.wltv.com).  Wine Library and Chateau Pesquie had come together to offer three “Vayniacs” the opportunity to take a week long paid trip to Chateau Pesquie in the southern Rhone Valley of France and "work" the vineyards (along with participating in some great meals and wine).  Sad to say, I did not win, but always remembered Chateau Pesquie from the photographs sent back by those Vayniacs who did win.

Chateau Pesquie is located on the Rhone delta and it has very similar soil qualities to Chateauneuf du Pape.  Wine is made at the base of Mount Ventoux, the highest peak in southern France.  Grapes are grown on hillside slopes and this area tends to be much cooler than the surrounding AOC's in Rhone.  Chateau Pesquie created their first vintage in 1989.  Paul Chaudiere, Pesquie's winemaker, takes a simple approach to making wine.  Most reds are macerated for 15 days and he believes that some of the wine should be exposed to oak.  For instance the 30 % of Terrasses is aged in oak, the rest is aged in neutral conditions.  (www.3wineguys.com)

The 2006 Les Terrasses is ruby red in color and has a nose of raspberries, earth, and a hint of tobacco. This is a medium bodied red; complex, with a very nice balance of raspberries, black cherries, cedar, tobacco and spice. The finish is smooth and memorable.  Go seek this out and try it.